GM lifts the lid on convertible Vette

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Seventh-generation Corvette was developed as a coupe and convertible simultaneously so it would offer an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design.

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GENEVA MOTOR SHOW - The very first Corvette was a roadster; GM vice-president of global design Ed Welburn put it best this morning (5 March) at the unveiling of the 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible at the Geneva Motor Show qwhen he said: “The convertible has been a part of the heart and soul of the Corvette since the very beginning in 1953.

“With the seventh-generation Corvette Stingray, we developed the coupé and convertible simultaneously so that it would offer an open-top driving experience with no compromise in performance, technology or design.”

The new 'Vette has a fully electronic top that can be lowered remotely using the car's key fob; it can also be opened or closed on the go, at speeds of up to 50km/h.

Coupé and convertible models would arrive in global markets late in 2013, Welburn said, but only in left-hand drive. Changes to export models would be limited to equipment required by local regulations, such as lighting, headlight washers and outside mirrors.

Which means, sadly, that we won't be getting it in South Africa.

All the performance spec of the hardtop model is carried over to the convertible, and the only structural changes are the recess for the folding top and repositioned safety belt mounts.

Rear three-quarter view shows how the Corvtte profile is accentuated in the convertible.

The aluminium frame structure remains the same, according to GM, and as no structural reinforcements are required for the convertible, both models share almost identical power-to-weight ratios.

With the top up, the Corvette Stingray convertible's thick, three-ply fabric roof, along with sound-absorbing padding and a glass rear window, contributes to a quiet ride.

‘WATERFALL’ COCKPIT DESIGN

With it down however, the new Corvette's profile is accentuated by dual black accent panels behind the seat backs, enhancing the character lines of the tonneau cover, while the Corvette's signature “waterfall” cockpit design originates in the valley between the seats, bringing the exterior colour into the cabin.

All 'Vettes come with the new direct-injection LT1 6.2-litre V8, delivering an estimated 335kW and 610 Nm. Thanks to active fuel management and continuously variable valve timing, the new Corvette Stingray is expected to improve on the current model's fuel-consumption rating of 13.6 litres per 100km.

DRIVE MODE SELECTOR

View into the interior shows the signature waterfall layout, a Corvette design feature that goes back to the 1950s.

The convertible 'Vette shares with its coupe sibling genuine carbon-fibre and aluminium trim, hand-wrapped leather materials, dual 200mm configurable driver/infotainment liquid crystal screens, and two new seat choices - each with a lightweight magnesium frame.

A five-position drive mode selector tailors 12 parameters to fit the driver's environment and a new seven-speed manual transmission with active rev matching anticipates gear selections and matches engine speed for perfect shifts every time.

Lightweight materials, including a carbon-fibre bonnet, composite front and rear bumpers, door and quarter panels, composite underbody panels and a new aluminium frame, help shift weight rearward for an optimal 50/50 weight balance.

PERFORMANCE PACKAGE

And customers can also order the track-orientated Z51 Performance Package, which includes an electronic limited-slip differential, dry-sump lubrication, integral brake, differential and transmission cooling and a special aero kit.